Mazda unveils new CX-3

The company unveiled its new CX-3 in California ahead of Thursday's Los Angeles motor show, where it will go on public display for the first time.

The Mazda2-based car will go on sale in 2015 with a choice of two engines in the form of a 1.5-litre turbo diesel and 2.0-litre petrol.

Mazda has not confirmed final specifications for the powerplants, but existing models powered by those engines make around 77kW and 250Nm in diesel form and 114kW and 200Nm for the petrol engine.

The car will be available with front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive and a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

Its on-demand all-wheel-drive system is similar to that used in the larger CX-5 in that it brings the rear wheels into action when front tyres slip.

Mazda says the CX-3 presents a new spin on the brand's signature "Kodo" design, with a new grille and headlamp treatment that builds on the flying "wing" used on models such as the CX-5, Mazda6 and Mazda3.

Top-line models feature 18-inch wheels finished in gunmetal grey paint, helping the mini SUV to stand out from the crowd.

On the inside, the cabin follows Mazda' recent theme of keeping the driver's eyes high, towards the road, with a large display screen loaded with the brand's latest infotainment features such as MZD Connect, which gives passengers a link to the outside world though features such as internet radio and the ability to convey text messages.

The car will be available with active safety features including autonomous emergency braking in the form of Mazda's Smart City brake Support system.

The CX-3 shares its underpinnings with the Mazda2, and the cars have the same 2570mm wheelbase.

But the new SUV is around 20 centimetres longer than its hatchback cousin, as well as being seven centimetres wider and five centimetres taller than the regular Mazda2.

The company has not yet detailed differences in ground clearance or weight between the two models.